FAQ: Health for birds

No, wild birds must not be treated with medicines or supplements through feeders, as there is no way of controlling who gets them or how much, which can cause harm. Clean feeders and suitable food do the most for wild birds' health.

Often it is a fledgling that has already left the nest and is being fed nearby by its parents, so it is best left alone and watched from a distance. If the bird is injured, unfeathered or clearly in danger, contact a wildlife rescue service.

They can, as wild birds leave droppings at feeders, and some diseases such as avian influenza spread through them. Do not put wild bird feeders next to a coop or aviary, and protect your birds' feed and water from wild birds.

Many pet birds need a long, quiet and dark night's rest, often around ten to twelve hours. Lack of sleep can increase stress and encourage problem behaviour, so it is worth keeping a steady routine.

For many birds a covered cage helps them sleep more calmly, especially if the room is bright or noisy in the evening. Use a breathable fabric that does not seal the cage and in which the bird cannot get tangled.

Stress can show as feather plucking, constant screaming, aggression, loss of appetite or the bird thrashing around in its cage. As illness can look similar, it is worth seeing a vet first and then reviewing the bird's surroundings.

In the first days a bird needs peace and quiet, its usual food and a steady daily routine, and should not be handled much. Watch that the bird eats and drinks, and contact a vet if it is not eating or seems listless.

Yes, especially if they eat a lot of fatty seeds and treats and fly little. Obesity raises the risk of other illnesses, so it is worth weighing the bird regularly, letting it exercise and asking a vet about its diet.

Avocado, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, salty or fatty human food, onions and garlic are dangerous for birds. If you suspect a bird has eaten something dangerous, contact a vet straight away.

Wash vegetables and fruit thoroughly, remove fruit stones and apple seeds, and do not add salt or seasoning. Remove leftovers after a few hours so the bird does not eat spoiling food.

Many bird treats, such as honey sticks or sticks with fatty seeds, are high in calories, so given too often they can lead to obesity and unbalance the diet. Treats should only be a small addition to the diet.

Good food smells natural and is not dusty, clumped or mouldy, and there are no insects in it. Keep the food tightly closed in a dry place, and throw it away if its smell or appearance has changed.

Usually not – clean water in a bath or a mist is enough for a bird's feather care. Shampoos and soaps can strip the feathers' natural oils, so use them only on a vet's advice.

Scented sprays and odour removers can irritate a bird's airways. The safest way to avoid bad smells is to change the litter and clean the cage regularly, and if you use a product, choose an unscented one made for birds.

Many wet wipes contain fragrance or alcohol, which are unsuitable for birds. If dirt needs wiping off, use a cloth dampened with clean lukewarm water, and feathers that are constantly soiled around the vent are a sign to see a vet.

An occasional sneeze from dust is normal for a bird. If the bird sneezes often, its nostrils are wet or crusted, there is discharge, or its breathing has changed, contact a vet.

Watery, red or swollen eyes can be a sign of various illnesses, so the bird needs to see a vet. Do not use eye drops for people or other products without the vet's instructions.

Yes, psittacosis can be passed to people, and birds sometimes carry it without visible signs. If you suspect it in your bird, contact a vet, and if you develop flu-like symptoms after contact with birds, see a doctor and mention that you keep birds.

No, zoogidas.lt sells nothing – the site compares prices from Lithuanian online pet shops. Once you choose a product, you buy it on the shop's own website, and each product shows when its price was last checked.

On the site products can be compared by price per kilogram, which makes it easier to see whether a larger pack is really cheaper. The product page also shows price history, and prices are collected about daily.